Solve the given equation. (Enter your answers as a comma-separated list. Let k be any integer. Round terms to two decimal places where appropriate.)

tan θ = −square root of 3

1 answer

If you are studying Calculus, you should make an effort to memorize the ratios of two important triangles:

1. the 45-45-90 degree triangle, with sides
1 : 1 : √2 corresponding to the angles

2. the 30-60-90 degree triangle, with
sides
1 : √3 : 2

so in this case
if tan θ = +√3 then θ = 60°

but the tangent is negative in quadrants II or IV
so θ = 120° or θ = 300°

you should also know that
120° = 2π/3, and 300° = 5π/3

You did not state if you want the anser in degrees or in radians.